By Kyle LoJacono
Staff Writer
Each year the Special Olympics allow thousands of children across Florida to compete in athletics. In Pasco County, the games could not go on without its annual golf tournament.
“Last year we raised $11,000 at the event and this year I’d love to get $15,000,” said Judy Brunner, Pasco County Special Olympics co-coordinator. “The money goes to support Special Olympics events all year and right now we are getting ready for the state games May 14, 15 and 16 at Disney’s Wide World of Sport Complex.”
The 12th annual Pasco County Golf Tournament starts at 1 p.m. May 8 at Lexington Oaks Golf Club, 26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd. in Wesley Chapel. Registration deadline is April 30.
For information on how to sign up, call (813) 794-6476. It costs $65 per person to enter the tournament, which is tax deductible and includes green fees, a cart for the event, range balls, a goody bag, a raffle ticket and a buffet dinner.
The golf event is the largest fundraiser each year for the Pasco Special Olympics. It costs $50,000 to $60,000 each year to have the games in the county, which includes things like uniforms, transportation, food and equipment. This year, Pasco will have 139 athletes competing in the 2010 state games in track and field, team soccer, soccer skills, bocce, cycling and tennis.
“We started the golf tournament because all the funds that we need are completely paid for by fundraisers and donations,” Brunner said. “We don’t charge the athletes or their families anything to participate.”
Brunner has been involved with the Special Olympics in Pasco for 29 years and is currently a physical education teacher at Woodland Elementary School in Zephyrhills. She co-coordinates the county games with Valerie Lundin.
Lundin, who was been a coordinator in Pasco for 26 years and is an adaptive physical education teacher at Cotee River Elementary School in New Port Richey, said the games started in the county in 1973. Lundin coordinates the games in the spring and summer, while Brunner handles the fall and basketball seasons.
“When I was in college I had a passion for sports and for exceptional students,” Brunner said. “What I do now is perfect for me and it’s a passion of mine. I’ve spent more than half my life with it. It’s so special and important to the athletes.
“It’s so heartwarming to see (the athletes) so proud of themselves,” Brunner continued. “Put them on a field or on a court and it’s beyond description.”
The need for fundraisers has increased as the number of students and schools grow in Pasco. For the first time the county games, which were in February, were split into two locations. The games were in New Port Richey and at Wesley Chapel High School.
“It was very exciting to host the games for the first time here,” said Wesley Chapel principal Carin Nettles, who was previously an exceptional student education teacher. “One thing I miss about teaching is getting out and working with the kids, so seeing the athletes during the county games was great. They get to show off their athletic abilities and they look forward to it.”
Brunner expressed her gratitude to everyone who participates in the golf event each year. Land O’ Lakes High girls soccer coach Vicky King has been a Special Olympics coach for 24 years and also thanks those who donate.
“I know we have to spend a lot of money on the transportation and other things to put the games on,” King said. “We wouldn’t be able to put the games together without the support of the public at fundraisers like the golf event.”
This year’s state games will be even more special for King and her Land O’ Lakes Special Olympics soccer teams.
“It’s the first time we’ve had two unified soccer teams make states,” King said. “The players are ready to get on the field and show what they can do against the best in Florida.”
A unified soccer team has Special Olympics athletes and student volunteers playing together. Each team has five players, three athletes and two of the volunteers.
“The games make the athletes and volunteers realize what they can really do,” King said. “The athletes are showing what they can do physically and the volunteers are seeing what a positive difference they can make.”
The golf tournament is a four-person scramble event. In the past, Brunner said one or two of the Special Olympics golfers have shown up for the tournament, but the volunteers run the event.
“I’m hoping for a good turnout,” Brunner said. “The more people who participate, the more we will be able to do for our athletes.”
If you go
- What: 12th annual Pasco County Golf Tournament
- When: 1 p.m. May 8
- Where: Lexington Oaks Golf Club
- Address: 26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd. in Wesley Chapel
- Cost: $65 per person
- To sign up, call (813) 794-6476
